I get to see this up close. As a caregiver for three young children over the past 9 years, their joy explodes daily.
Making our own soda
They don’t judge. They just enjoy. Every new discovery is treated as though it’s the first time anyone has ever discovered it. Seeing a hummingbird brings jumps of joy and awe.
Seeing new art forms brings inspiration. Watching fun skills like a master chocolatier brings a desire to be one.
I learned to make up and tell stories at the prompting of the kids. Tell us a story Mimi. I had to see the world through their eyes and reignite my own imagination.
As adults we just forget to play, to be open to new things and see the world with a sense of awe. Our focus is on work, responsibilities, money, bills and acquiring stuff etc. Make time to stop. Stop and be quiet. Listen to the sounds around you. Look at the miracles taking place right before your eyes. That is being a child at heart.
2. Neil Armstrong landing and walking on the moon. Watched from our apt in Minnesota and looking up on the balcony.
3 Vietnam war and wearing POW bracelets. Serious business in middle school.
4. The exit from Vietnam
5. Watergate Scandal
6. Abortion made legal
7. Elvis Presley dies- I was fortunate enough to see him in early 1974 in Las Vegas.
8. First test tube baby born
9. Jonestown Massacre
10. Three Mile Island
11. Mount St Helen’s eruption
12. John Lennon’s murder and Reagan shot
13. Black Monday October 1987- Our first home lost about 30% of its value.
14. Desert Storm- delayed our move
15. Berlin Wall torn down (I had gone through Checkpoint Charlie in 1978). Poland and Lech Wałęsa
16. Oklahoma City Bombing-My grandma called because her house shook
17.Princess Diana dies in a car crash and her funeral. My daughters are about the same age as William and Harry. I sobbed the entire way through.
18. Columbine shootings- called my friend who had middle school students in that school district.
19. 9/11- My husband was a captain for American Airlines walking out the door when I yelled at him to come back. And our friend was sitting on the tarmac waiting to take off at Newark. Obviously neither of them flew that day.
20. Tsunami in Asia- terrifying and so sad.
21. Plane in Hudson- thinking all experienced pilots would have done the same thing
22. Sandy Hook massacre- there are no words to express the sorrow and anger
23. William and Catherine Royal Wedding- gave hope for joy
24. Osama bin Laden killed- hoped the nightmare would end but it didn’t.
25. Missing Malaysia flight-so mysterious
26.ALS Ice Bucket Challenge- hoping for an end to this horrible disease.
27. Malala Yousafzai shot in the face- again girls/women targeted just for being a female.
28. Robin Williams’s suicide- as someone who has fought depression for a very long time this one hit close to home.
29. Legalized same gender marriage
30. Queen Elizabeth surpasses Queen Victoria as longest reigning monarch
31. Brexit referendum
32. Donald Trump becomes president ugh
33. Women’s march and the #metoo movement
34. Esptein scandal -still waiting on the list
I am sure I have forgotten many but after looking over a list these are the ones I remember.
I am actually most proud of raising incredible, smart, kind, loving daughters. They are so independent and confident, two things I’ve never been.
I am also very proud of surviving divorce. After 30 years of marriage I was given $9000 in cash, part of the retirement accounts, my debts and my lawyer fees. I didn’t have a job. My world had collapsed and I collapsed along with it. It was necessary to use a retirement account to support me. I spent 3 years in a deep depression. I was out of work for 4.5 years.
I seriously didn’t know what I was going to do when the best thing happened. I became a full time care giver for a toddler. Since then 2 more children have been added to the family and I couldn’t be happier. Surviving and thriving such a great feeling.
When was the first time you really felt like a grown up (if ever)?
I’ve actually pondered this many times. Busy being a wife and mom, watching my friends doing the same, I marveled at how adult they seemed. There were a couple of women that stood out. S was always an adult. She lived her life by a well thought out logic. I remember she told me as a university student she loved a man but knew he would be an illogical choice for a husband. Instead she married the stable man who has lived his life with a logical mindset.
I had another friend D, who was old the first time I met her. Not old by age, but old by mindset. I am five years younger and she would always tell me, “just wait until you’re 40 then 50 then 60 etc” and then list a whole host of ailments, assuring me I too would suffer. Not a single one came true except for the food getting stuck in my teeth more frequently! 🤣🤣🤣
Recently I saw a children’s movie which emphasized the importance of never forgetting to play. Fortunately for me I am a care provider for 10 and 8 year old boys and a 4 year old girl. They remind me each day with their enthusiasm and laughter to remember to play. We’ve played pirates, had mountain climbing contests, pretending to dine at a restaurant, and even being moms and dads caring for babies. I am also reminded when tears come, it’s time to be the grownup. During disagreements, back talk, sibling arguments I can’t scream or yell. When I broke my ankle, I couldn’t panic. Remaining calm kept the kids from falling apart. Calling 911, their parents, even being treated by the EMTs, I couldn’t lose control.
So while I may not feel grownup, somewhere along the way, I did grow up.
In what ways does hard work make you feel fulfilled?
Hard work can be a variety of things. It doesn’t necessarily mean physical labor.
When I have a task physical or mental that must be accomplished, I write it down. Sometimes I even break it into steps so I feel I’ve accomplished something even if the task isn’t completed in one go.
Once it is done, I feel a sense of relief and pride. Relief that it is finished and pride in a job well done.
The trait I like best about myself is also the trait the hate most about myself. I am a talker. Moving around a lot as a kid, I learned quickly no one is looking for a new friend. Therefore I ended up talking my way to a friendship.
Now as an adult, I can speak to just about anyone and make them feel welcomed and included. I like this about myself.
I also hate that I am a talker because so many times I needed to be a listener. Many times talking is a screen for my fear of being excluded-left out.
While I’m busy making people feel included and welcomed, I’m not listening to what they say.
Interesting prompt. I can’t say I associate with any brand. I have a few favorites but I don’t necessarily buy them exclusively. I think there is too much emphasis on brands. Every Instagram account now seems to be trying to sell me something.
Women seem to think if they carry a Louis Vuitton bag people will think they have money. It’s crazy because fake bags are easy to come by and it takes more than a bag to appear monied.
My life on an unexpected path 